Joseph p



J. P. PATTERSON.

Bill-Pile.

No. 223,813. Patented Jan, .27, 1880.

i: Jbsephl Pdifcrsmb UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOSEPH P. PATTERSON, OF BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, ASSIGNOR TO HORACE E. ROBERTS, OF SAME PLACE.

BILL-FILE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 223,813, 'dated January 27, 1880.

Application filed March 6, 1879.

y a specification.

My invention relates to-that class of files for letters, invoices, or other papers in which theindex-leaves are temporarily secured within a case or box until a sufficient number of papers or documents are placed between them.

My improvement consists, first, in the mode of applying the wires or cords which temporarily secure the indexdeaves to the case so as to conceal the binding ends of said cords or wires.

My improvement consists, further, in an envelope having four flaps or folds, which is. attached to the lower index-leaf so as to be re'- moved therewith, and adapted to envelop the file contents when it is desired to file away the index-leaves with their contained papers.

In order that my invention may be fully understood, I will proceed to describe it with reference to the accompanying drawings, in whichj- Figure 1 is a perspective view of my improved file open and supported at its forward end by the folding front. Fig. 2 is a transverse section of the same closed, showing the extremeends of the cords or wires tied within the case so as to conceal their ends. Fig. 3 is a transverse section, showing the wires hooked so as to engage in eyes within the case. Fig. 4 is a transverse section, showing the wires hooked through eyelet-holes, so as to bring their ends within the case. Fig. 5 is a rear view of the lower index-leaf, exhibiting the envelope attached thereto. Fig. 6 is a view ofthe same on a smaller scale, with the envelope open, and showing the free ends of the cords for tying the envelope around the bundle of index-leaves and contained papers. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a package enveloped, secured, and indorsed for permanent filing away.

A A A may represent indexleaves provided with eyelets a, and B a case or box,

which is constructed with a cover, 0, hinged at c, and a folding front, D, hinged at d. The

said front is held up in its closed position by means of rubber springs E E, which are secured by their ends to the front at e e, and to the outer ends, 6 e, of the box-sides, respectively. The leaves A are confined within the box B by means of wires or cords F F, passed through their eyelets a and secured to the case temporarily, in the manner shown in Figs. 2

8, and 4, so as to conceal their free ends, which are employed to secure the leaves to- I gether when the latter are removed from the case.

The mode of fastening shown in Fig.2 is to connect them to the bottom of the box by passin g their ends out and in through eyelet-holes f f and twisting or tying, according to whether wires or cords are used, thus locat ing the ends within the case, and after stringing the leaves thereon pass them up and down through eyelet-holes f f prepared for them in the top of the box, and secure them by twisting or tying, as before, so as to bring their upper ends within the case.

In Fig. 3 I. have shown a modification, in which the wires or cords are hooked in loops or eyes ff in the top and bottom of the case on-the inside.

In Fig. 4 I show the ends f f, of stout wires, merely passed within the case and bent. This forms a very simple and effective mode of attachment.

It will be observed that on opening the cover 0 and folding down the front D in reverse position, so as to elevate and support the box, as shown in Fig. 1, very ready access to the leaves A is afforded, so that they may be opened or turned with the utmost facility to enable the filing, examination, or removal of any documents between them.

It will also be observed that the springs E for closing the front are so applied as to permit it to remain in a position to support the case.

When the file is filled, or when a month or other period for which it is used is completed, the cords or wires F are disconnected, and the ,entire set of leaves, being fastened together in book form by the wires or cords, are, with their contained matter, removed bodily from the box and inclosed in an envelope, G, at-

tached to the bottom leaf, A, and which is preferably made of linen. The envelope is constructed with flaps or folds g g g g, so as to completely envelop the file contents, and is folded compactly out of the way underneath said leaf While the file is in use, as shown in Figs. 2 and 5. The envelope is shown open, ready to receive the bundle of leaves and contained papers in Fig. 6.

Cords g g g g are secured beneath the leaf A for the purpose of tying the bundle together, as shown in Fig. 7.

It will be seen that the envelope provides a place for indorsement, to indicate the contents.

The cords or wires being applied to the case in the manner shown, the ends are concealed from view. The untidy appearance of cords or wires tied or fastened on the outside of the case is thus overcome. p The folding frontl), when used as a support, is held rigidly in position until the weight of the file is removed therefrom. The springs E E will close the front as soon as sufficiently released.

1 am aware that it is not new to construct a box or case with the front end hinged to the bottom so as to open partially to giy e access to the index.

I am also aware that files and other devices have been furnished with springs or bands for holding the covers in closed position.

I am also aware that eyeleted index-leaves have been secured to frames by means of rods or wires, said frames and leaves being temporarily or permanently secured within a box or case in a peculiar manner.

I am also aware that such index-leaves have been secured to a case by means of a Y tape or fastening passed through the case or box and through the index-leaves, and tied or otherwise secured together at its ends upon the lower side of the case, thus bringing the ends on the outside.

I am also aware that index-leaves have been the'combination of the box or case B, having suitable eyelets, the index-leaves A, having eyelets a, and the cords or wires F, having ends which are adapted for temporarily securing the leaves to the box in the manner shown, so as to conceal said ends until required for use in binding the leaves together with their contained papers, as explained.

2. In combination with a set of index-leaves, the lowest index-leaf, A, provided with an envelope, G, having four flaps or folds, g g g 9, adapted to envelop the index-leaves when the latter, with their contained papers, are removed from the case.

3. The improved file consisting of a box, B, having a spring-front, E E D, the index-leaves A, detachably secured to the box by cords or wires F, and the envelope G, secured to the lowest index-leaf for wrapping the file contents, substantially as set forth.

JOSEPH P. PATTERSON.

Witnesses F. POULTNEY, HENRY O. B. NORRIS. 

